Sir David Edward

Sir David set out his views as a new pro-independence research group, Progress Scotland, launched.

He said: “In 2014, I was a committed ‘no’ voter — head and heart. I’m now ambivalent. It seems that we may have to choose between the undoubted uncertainties of independence and exit from the EU and rulers in London who don’t understand or believe in the constitutional implications of the devolution settlement.

“If that’s the choice, I could be persuaded to vote for independence.”

He added: “To be persuaded to vote for independence, I would need to see more evidence that Scotland and its institutions are capable of bearing the intellectual, financial and administrative burdens that independence would involve.”

Polling and research for Progress Scotland are being undertaken by Mark Diffley, former Ipsos Mori Scotland director.

It is being led by Angus Robertson, former depute leader of the SNP, who lost his Westminster seat in 2017.

“Progress Scotland aims to help prepare the case for Scotland to progress towards independence, keeping pace with the views of the people who make their lives here,” he said.

“With the help and support of subscribers we will research the opinion of people in Scotland and test their appetite to emulate the most successful small countries in the world. We will provide insight and analysis on what is needed to persuade people on the case for Scotland to make progress.”